PACKING LIST

Luggage

Pack light. You'll be dragging your suitcase through busy train stations and down potentially bumpy sidewalks to our airbnb. Make sure it is manageable for you! Washers and dryers are available in the airbnb, so plan to do laundry. If you bring 10-ish days worth of clothing, that work well together, you'll be fine. The weight listed and number of carry-ons are the maximum allowances for the airline we are flying. We will be traveling, (including walking) a lot with these bags; please limit yourself to the items below. If you're concerned with needing to bring more, please contact a staff member first. 

• 1 Suitcase: make sure you bring one with wheels (as mentioned, we will be walking a lot with our luggage the first day) that cannot exceed 50 lbs. 

• 1 Carry-on: smaller duffel or roller

• 1 Personal item: backpack, purse, etc.

Must Haves

• Passport (MUST be valid through at least February 3, 2026)

• 2 photocopies of your passport

• Any final support checks

• Bible, journal, pens

• Medications you may need

• A copy of your health insurance card

Toiletries

Suggested enough to last 5 weeks, but do know that you can buy items in Japan if you need.

• Toothbrush/Toothpaste

• Deodorant

• Razor/Extra blades/Shaving cream

• Body/Face wash

• Contacts/contact solution/glasses (if applicable)

• Nail clippers and/or nail file

• Hair brush

• Hair styling tools and products

• Travel mirror

• Hand Sanitizer

• Prescription medication

• Melatonin - can make the process of adjusting to the time change a lot quicker

• Any pain killers/cough/allergy medication you may need. You can get anything in Osaka, but if you're particular you can just bring enough for the month.

Clothing

• Underwear and socks (lots of them)

• Comfortable shoes and sandals that are easy to take on and off (there will be a lot of walking)

• Lots of light-weight shirts (it can get very hot and humid)

• Light sweatshirt/jacket

• Light rain jacket

• Comfortable pants (remember, lots of walking)

• Pajamas and comfy clothes for the airbnb

• A few sets of semi-dressier clothes for church and end of summer mission banquet

Other

• Small bag/backpack to wear while walking around the city

• Laundry bag

• Reusable grocery bag (also can double as a trash bag while we're out in public until you can find a trash can)

• Beach towel

• Ear plugs (if you're a light sleeper)

• Reusable water bottle

• Watch

• Chargers for phone, watch, other electronics

• You'll only need a travel adapter if you're using anything with a 3-prong plug (no need for a converter)

• A few of your favorite snacks

• Packable umbrella (or you can easily buy one in Japan for cheap)

• Sunscreen

• Games/sport equipment to enjoy as a team or to teach students (or could purchase this in country as well)

• Spending money (cash or traveler's check, and a credit card, if you want)

• Instrument for worship (if you play one)

• Pictures, clothes, trinkets, keychains from your school/hometown/city for gifts for students you meet and friends you make in Japan. More info on that can be found here in the GIFT GIVING & RECEIVING section.

• Extra duffel bag to bring home souvenirs if you plan on shopping a lot 

pro tips from those who have gone before

• The weather in May/June is transitioning from spring to summer. So prepare for humid conditions and a spectrum of chilly, rainy days to hot humid days and everything in between.

• Plan to buy an umbrella (they're cheap and everywhere) if you don't want to pack one. And bring shoes that can get a little wet and not be spoiled.

• Light layers will be your best friend so you can deal with hot, cold, sticky, wet, and whatever else comes our way.

• You walk a lot in Osaka. Make sure your shoes are comfy and broken in. You won't want blisters on a long day on campus.

• Japanese students can be very expressive with their clothing choices, but in general Japan is a pretty conservative society and dress modestly. Especially as ambassadors of Jesus we want to be respectful so shorts and tank tops are not acceptable while we are doing ministry on campuses. You're welcome to wear either shorts OR a tank top when you're working out, but just not both at the same time. Avoid wearing any athleisure unless working out. Japanese people tend to dress up more than Americans so dressing really casually might make you stand out more than normal. 

• Having a portable charger for your phone can come in handy for longer days out and about on campus.